SPCA says plunge raised lots of money for animals

Friday

Feb 22, 2013 at 3:15 AM

STRATHAM — The New Hampshire SPCA announced that the 3rd Annual Doggie Paddle Plunge broke records in terms of participants and funds raised.

The event which raised more than $17,000 this year, more than double the 2012 results, was held on Saturday, Feb. 16. The funds raised will go toward the care of the nearly 3,000 companion animals the New Hampshire SPCA takes in each year.

More than 50 brave souls took the plunge at Great Island Common in New Castle, despite snow flurries and an outside temperature of 35 degrees. Each with their own strategies to stay warm, they gathered on the icy beach then ran full speed into the frosty Atlantic Ocean all to demonstrate their complete commitment to the animals of the NHSPCA.

The competition was stiff for the award for best costume, with people dressed as a chicken, a cat and a couple of rabbits all contending. The winning prize was awarded to Laurie Shepard, of Contoocook, who came appropriately dressed as a giant penguin.

The NHSPCA would like to acknowledge the event’s presenting sponsor, Jackson Lewis LLP, and several in-kind donors: Panera of Bedford, The Big Bean, The Flatbread Company, Club Canine, Shaw’s and Greenland Veterinary Hospital.